PeP leader, Tembo, says Zambians will resist any attempt to force 2026 elections outside approved date

Sean Tembo, leader of the opposition Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP), has asserted that the 2026 general elections will proceed as scheduled, regardless of any attempts by President Hakainde Hichilema to amend the Constitution.

Tembo expressed worries about President Hichilema’s recent remarks suggesting gaps in the Constitution.

He stated that the Zambian public did not trust the UPND government to make any constitutional amendments.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka on Monday at his residence in Ngwerere, Tembo emphasized that any potential constitutional issues should be addressed by the new government elected in 2026.

“What is crucial for Zambians is that the date for the next general elections is clearly outlined in Article 56(1) of the Constitution,” Tembo said.

He quoted Article 56(1), which specified that “a general election shall be held every 5 years after the previous general election, on the second Thursday of August.”

Tembo pointed out that the next general election was set for August 13, 2026, and that there was no ambiguity regarding this date.

He dismissed President Hichilema’s claims of constitutional gaps as an attempt to create confusion.

Read More: Hichilema receives more knocks for allegedly insinuating constitution could be amended to delay future elections

“If President Hakainde Hichilema’s intention in alleging lacunae is to cause anxiety among Zambians and justify tampering with the Constitution, then that attempt has failed,” Tembo asserted.

He stressed that Zambians could not trust a president who might seek to alter the Constitution for personal gain.

Tembo warned that any attempts by Hichilema to force constitutional changes before 2026, potentially to facilitate an illegitimate re-election, would face strong resistance from the Zambian people.

“We advise President Hakainde Hichilema that winning re-election should be based on fulfilling promises to the Zambian people, not by altering the Constitution,” Tembo concluded.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.